Challenging AI for scientific discovery: from neuroscience to cosmology (26w5625)

The Banff International Research Station will host the "Challenging AI for scientific discovery: from neuroscience to cosmology" workshop in Banff from October 11 - 16, 2026.

Carl Sagan famously reminded us in Cosmos that "we are made of star stuff," a poetic truth that underscores our deep connection to the universe. As beings forged from the elements created in stars, it is in our nature to seek understanding of the cosmos from which we emerged. This quest for knowledge is not limited to distant stars and galaxies; it also extends to the complex neural networks within us that give rise to consciousness and thought. At the upcoming workshop, "Challenging AI for Scientific Discovery: From Neuroscience to Cosmology," we aim to explore these dual frontiers—the vast universe and the human brain—using the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

This workshop brings together leading experts in neuroscience, cosmology, and AI to develop new methods that not only help us understand the universe but also the neurons that make such understanding possible. With a focus on \ac{XAI}, participants will create algorithms that provide new insights on complex data by revealing how and why they make decisions. By studying the neurons that help us think and the AI that explains how it "thinks," we are not just pushing the boundaries of science—we are unraveling the very mechanisms that allow us to comprehend our place in the cosmos.